red cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “red cell” mean?
A red blood cell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A red blood cell; an erythrocyte that carries oxygen in the bloodstream.
Primarily used in medical and biological contexts to refer to erythrocytes; may occasionally refer to any red-colored cell.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in technical contexts in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “red cell” in a Sentence
red cell countred cell productionred cell disorderVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used.
Academic
Common in biological and medical research.
Everyday
Uncommon; primarily in health-related discussions.
Technical
Frequently used in hematology and medical diagnostics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “red cell”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “red cell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red cell”
- Using 'red cell' to describe any cell that is red in color, rather than specifically erythrocytes.
- Confusing 'red cell' with 'red blood cell', though they are synonymous.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A red cell, also known as an erythrocyte, is a blood cell that transports oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs.
No, 'red cell' is often used as a shorter form of 'red blood cell', and both refer to erythrocytes.
Red cells are responsible for oxygen transport, while white cells, or leukocytes, are involved in the immune response against infections.
The biconcave disc shape of red cells increases their surface area for efficient gas exchange and allows them to flex through narrow capillaries.
A red blood cell.
Red cell is usually technical/medical in register.
Red cell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd ˌsɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛd ˌsɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Red cells are red because they contain hemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport.
Conceptual Metaphor
Cells as carriers or transporters of oxygen.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of red cells?